Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities: "Blow It Up" – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Blow It Up
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
Description: From the creator of the hit podcast Lore, Cabinet of Curiosities offers bite-sized storytelling experiences. Each twice-weekly episode features two short tales that navigate listeners through the unbelievable, unsettling, and bizarre facets of history and the unknown.

1. The Ingenious Canadarm: Canada’s Gift to Space Exploration

Timestamp: [01:17] – [05:44]

In the opening segment of "Blow It Up," Aaron Mahnke delves into the collaborative spirit that defines modern space exploration, highlighting the pivotal role played by Canada through the development of the Canadarm.

Historical Context and Collaboration

Mahnke begins by contrasting the often nationalistic narratives of the space race with the current era of global collaboration exemplified by the International Space Station (ISS). He emphasizes that unlike territorial divisions on Earth, space necessitates cooperative engineering and shared technological advancements.

Development of the Canadarm

During the early 1970s, NASA embarked on the shuttle program with the ambition of creating a reusable spacecraft capable of multiple missions. A critical component of this design was a robotic arm to manage cargo and equipment in the harsh environment of space. The Canadian Space Agency answered this call with the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), later affectionately known as the Canadarm.

Notable Achievements and Legacy

Debuting aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981, the SRMS proved to be a monumental success. Mahnke notes, “It could lift up to 266kg of weight in zero gravity, all while using no more electricity than a teakettle” ([03:15]). The Canadarm not only facilitated cargo operations but also played a crucial role in deploying satellites and even supporting astronauts during spacewalks. Its versatility ensured its usage for over three decades, leading to the development of successors like Canadarm2 and Canadarm3, integral to the ISS and the Lunar Gateway project.

Impact and Recognition

Mahnke concludes this segment by celebrating Canada’s significant contribution to space technology. He states, “Our spacecraft are a little more handy” ([05:10]), acknowledging the indispensable role of the Canadarm in enhancing the functionality and flexibility of space missions.

2. Project A119: The US Military’s Secret Plan to Nuke the Moon

Timestamp: [07:51] – [12:28]

Shifting gears, Mahnke explores one of the most audacious and lesser-known chapters of the Cold War—the United States Air Force’s clandestine plan to detonate a nuclear device on the Moon, codenamed Project A119.

Origins and Motivation

In the late 1950s, amidst the intense rivalry of the space race following the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik in 1958, the US sought a bold statement of supremacy. Conventional satellite launches were no longer sufficient to assert dominance, prompting military strategists to envision a more spectacular demonstration.

The Plan: Nuking the Moon

Project A119 proposed detonating a nuclear warhead approximately the size of the one dropped on Hiroshima on the Moon’s surface. The primary objectives were twofold:

1. Demonstrate Military Might: By showcasing the capability to weaponize space, the US aimed to project unparalleled strength.
2. Visual Spectacle: The explosion, ideally set on the Moon’s dark side, would create a visible flash from Earth, serving as a potent symbol of American dominance.

Scientific and Ethical Concerns

Mahnke recounts the internal conflict within the project’s advisory teams. "Many of those scientists balked at what they'd been asked to do" ([09:45]), citing fears of contaminating the pristine lunar environment and the potential risks of radioactive debris returning to Earth. Despite scientific reservations, the Air Force remained focused on the public relations impact rather than the environmental implications.

Cancellation and Aftermath

The project ultimately fell apart when scientists realized the visual effects would be underwhelming due to the Moon’s lack of atmosphere, resulting in “just a silent burst of light followed by a lot of dust” ([11:35]). Relieved by the cancellation, the scientific community could pivot towards more constructive endeavors, leading directly to the successful Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Mahnke intriguingly links this episode to Carl Sagan, a young astronomer involved in Project A119, suggesting that this near-miss with lunar destruction may have deepened Sagan’s appreciation for the Moon.

Legacy

“...the original team of Canadian scientists invented one of the most enduring pieces of space technology” ([04:30]), Mahnke notes, drawing a parallel to the earlier discussion on the Canadarm. The avoidance of Project A119 not only preserved the Moon’s integrity but also underscored the importance of ethical considerations in scientific and military endeavors.

Conclusion

In "Blow It Up," Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines tales of ambition, innovation, and ethical dilemmas in the realm of space exploration. From celebrating Canada’s invaluable Canadarm to uncovering a near-catastrophic Cold War plan, the episode underscores humanity’s complex relationship with the final frontier. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Mahnke invites listeners to reflect on the delicate balance between technological advancement and moral responsibility.

Notable Quotes:

• Mahnke on the SRMS efficiency: “It could lift up to 266kg of weight in zero gravity, all while using no more electricity than a teakettle.” ([03:15])
• On Project A119’s underwhelming visual impact: “Just a silent burst of light followed by a lot of dust.” ([11:35])
• Celebrating the Canadarm’s contribution: “Our spacecraft are a little more handy.” ([05:10])

Stay Curious:
To immerse yourself in more intriguing stories like these, subscribe to Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or your preferred podcast platform. For further exploration, visit the Curiosities Podcast website.

Note: This summary intentionally excludes promotional segments, advertisements, and non-content sections to provide a focused overview of the episode's core narratives.